BSP calls for JPC probe, smells "political interest" behind demonetization

Lambasting the Centre's move of demonetising Rs. 500 and Rs. 1,000 currency notes to curb black money, Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) supremo Mayawati on Wednesday alleged that the government has political interest behind the decision and demanded a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) probe in the matter.

Mayawati asserted that her party is not against putting restraint on black money, adding neither it is against the Centre's decision of demonetisation.

"We welcome this decision. But this decision has been taken in haste and without full preparation. The government should have taken full preparation before taking this decision. Our party is concerned about the hurdles and problems the common people are facing due to this decision. Our party would seek a response on this matter from the government," she added.

The former Uttar Pradesh chief minister alleged that the ruling BJP at the Centre has stashed its black money in safe havens in the last ten months.

"I know the government won't give a satisfactory reply. Our party will also demand a JPC probe into the matter. The way this decision was taken in haste, it seems there was political interest. It must be exposed. The BJP has stashed its black money in safe havens in the past ten months. Our party demands a probe into the matter by the JPC," she added.

The Rajya Sabha took up the discussion on demonetisation of the currency on the opening day of the Winter Session today.

The House suspended the listed business for the day on the demand by the Opposition parties which had given notices.

The Lok Sabha was adjourned till tomorrow after giving obituary to former members including TMC's Renuka Sinha.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi earlier today called for a healthy debate on various issues including the Goods and Services Tax (GST) during the Winter Session of Parliament.